Wikipedia states that "The term GRIND LINE refers to a former forward line for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings. The line was effective in 'grinding' and wearing the opposition's top scoring line by enforcing presence." As a die-hard Detroit sports fan, I enjoyed watching the famed "Grind Line" get after it and win four Stanley Cup hockey championships.
- Award winning novelist John Irving stated, "I have come to appreciate that in doing something over and over again, something that was never natural becomes almost second nature."
- Celebrated potter, Warren MacKenzie, succinctly summarized his success by saying, "the first 10,000 pots are difficult, and then it gets a bit easier."
Duckworth says, "Talent absolutely matters but effort factors into calculations (achievement) twice."
We too often get mesmerized by miracle "month-end" sales performance. I'll take the get after it, grind it out, and "go the distance" consistent contributor. The next time you interview for top talent, talk less about sales trophies and more about sales tenacity and toughness. Are they coachable? Are they consistent? Will they grind it out during pandemics as well as peak selling seasons?
It turns out Daymond John's is right. The way to outperform others is to outwork and outhustle them. Or, as he would say, "Rise and Grind."